Pete Frates dead at 34 – Dad who inspired ALS ice bucket challenge passes away
A HERO dad who helped inspire the ice bucket challenge raising millions of pounds for research has passed away aged just 34.
Pete Frates, who had ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), helped to raise awareness of the disease after the challenge went viral.
A string of celebs – including Benedict Cumberbatch and Kim Kardashian – were soaked with a bucket of freezing cold water during the 2014 web sensation.
Pete’s devastated family today confirmed the dad-of-one, from Massachusetts, had tragically passed away in a statement.
They said: “He was a noble fighter who inspired us all to use our talents and strengths in the service of others.
“A natural born leader and the ultimate teammate, Pete was a role model for all, especially young athletes, who looked up to him for his bravery and unwavering positive spirit in the face of adversity.”
Pete became involved in the challenge after speaking with fellow ALS sufferer Anthony Snerchia, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2003 shortly after getting married.
Anthony sadly died in November 2017 after a gruelling 14-year battle with the condition.
He founded the Anthony Senerchia Jr. ALS Charitable Foundation and created the Ice Bucket Challenge – which raised more than £150 million ($200m) for medical research.
The challenge then went viral when the post reached former pro-baseball player Pete.
It saw people having a bucket of water poured over their head before nominating someone else to take part.
What is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis?
Also known as Motor Neurone Disease, ALS is a rare condition that progressively damages parts of the nervous system, leading to muscle weakness and wasting.
It occurs when specialist nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord stop working properly – and can affect a person’s ability to grip, walk, speak, swallow and breathe.
It’s an extremely rare condition that affects around two in every 100,000 people living in the UK.
There are roughly 5,000 people living with the condition in Britain at any one time – and there is currently no cure for the condition.
It’s a life-shortening disease, and life expectancy is just three years from experiencing the first symptoms for 50 per cent of people.
Some people live for up to 10 years, or longer, but this is rare.
The nominee either accepted and donated money to the ALS Association or refused and donated a larger sum of money.
Donald Trump, Simon Cowell, Justin Bieber and the Beckhams were just some of the big names to take part.
Then-president Obama declined his nomination – but did donate £75 ($100) to the campaign.
And Professor Stephen Hawking, who also has the disease, nominated his children to take the challenge on his behalf.
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Pete played baseball for Boston College and graduated in May 2007 before being named the director of baseball operations for the uni.
But he was diagnosed with the condition that year aged just 27.
Pete wed wife Julie eight months after he was diagnosed and they went on to have a five-year-old daughter named Lucy.
